I've had my 200 for 2 seasons now. Its never been in for service and i wasn't planning on it either, but plans change i guess. So tonight it started to act up a bit. When retrieving it feels almost like the line is wrapped around a guide, there is resistance. And there is a thump coming from the reel. Each time the spool goes up and down there are two "thumps". I dont know if anyone else has had this kind of issue. The reel gets dunked on most trips and rinsed most of the time. Also, what kind of turn around time does rivers end usually have for service? Im heading to block on the 24th and it would be REALLY nice to have it running smoothly by then.

call them I sure they will have it ready 4 ya..

Sounds like water in the anti-reverse bearing. Get it fixed or it will seize on you and ruin a trip.

I don't own a VS, but my experience is that NONE of these "waterproof" reels are waterproof. I've had a ZB leak and a Stella SW leak. They all need to be opened, checked, and fixed periodically if they get drenched. If you start feeling something wrong during use there is a good chance it is water damaging a bearing. The reels are built so well that other components don't usually fail unless wet (although ZB reportedly had a small run of faulty bearings several years ago).

I've had my 200 for 2 seasons now. Its never been in for service and i wasn't planning on it either, but plans change i guess. So tonight it started to act up a bit. When retrieving it feels almost like the line is wrapped around a guide, there is resistance. And there is a thump coming from the reel. Each time the spool goes up and down there are two "thumps". I dont know if anyone else has had this kind of issue. The reel gets dunked on most trips and rinsed most of the time. Also, what kind of turn around time does rivers end usually have for service? Im heading to block on the 24th and it would be REALLY nice to have it running smoothly by then.

Rob call Q at rivers end and explain to him what is going on and that you have a Block trip planed. No doubt in my mind he will have it fixed before then, they are great people down there.

Definitely water in the reel. You can get away with fishing for a while, but it will feel like crap and annoy the piss out of you. As said before, call Q...tell him its urgent and he will take care of you. Also, tell him to PACK that thing with grease. They get a bit stiff, but seem to stay "waterproof" a bit longer. No seal is perfect, and the extra grease goes a long way.

Thx guys. I will give em a call in a bit.

I had a thump similar to that when I had mine.I'm sure you would have noticed it but for me the 3 little screws that hold the line roller bracket on loosened up.1 screw fell out and the other 2 backed out.I had to order new screws from Zebco and I put machine screw green loctite on them.Never had that problem again.

Last night pretty much sucked. So the reel had its issues, my waders developed a nasty leak below the knee. Thankfully the water was warm. I lost a nice eelskin needle that i was using. It was so bright out i should have brought my sunglasses. All for one lousy 3 pound blue.

I had a similar issue but I fell on my reel....turned out I bent the transverse guide.I get water in my reel every year. Seals leak bottom line. On of my bearings is shot now....been lucky how ever my reel has yet to fail me or seize up......iam going to regret saying this now I can see it now.lol
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all "waterproof" reels will get water inside eventually.

saltwater is one of the most natural caustic elements out there, it destroys solid steel beams and concrete on bridges.

then take into consideration that your reel is dunked, gets some water in, then sits inside your 100 degree car/shed/storage area for a day or more, seals inside expand do to the heat and the water is free to flow to other parts.

ive seized two vs reels and my zee, all of the damage was fixable. a new gasket, a new bearing, some new grease/lube and good to go.

usually its the main bearing at the base of the handle on the vs reels and usually the clutch on the zee.

rivers end has great service for the VS reels, turn around is pick, shipping by UPS usually only takes a day.

Like other people have said call again, let them know its coming and see what they say for turn around time, if its longer you can always try Paulies in montauk, last time i was there he was rebuilding one why the guy waited and had a cup of coffee.

lure tube is in the mail!

Make the trip to Old Saybrook. Last week while browsing at River's End a friend mentioned a broken rod during an excursion to Block. Pat said"What kind of rod?" 5 minutes later my pal has a new rod. "Over-the-counter warranty" NIce.

Don't want to sound like an advertisement for River's End, but those folks seem to care about customer service and it shows. Very nice to deal with.

I feel lucky to have them down the road.

Rob,
Mine does it sometimes as well, but then again I never rinse it off.
I found that if you take the spool off, look where the brass "spindle"??? goes in and out. Most likely have crusty corrosion build up around the base of it. Scrap off and lube base and brass rod with white lithium grease. Good to go.
In 2008 I fished from July to November with a blown seal so that water was goin in and out all season. Never failed me. Service guy at VS called me laughing whn he opened it up it was so bad inside.
The dudes at Rivers end are the best. Last year thought I had a major issue with my 200. drove it down to them as i needed it for good tides in the canal that weekend and told them i eededit for a tournament.... the Striper cup. had it fixed and shipped back to me in 2 days. night i got it back i got my 47 in the canal on it.
Awesome.

Mike, i was thinking that may be the problem. There was a bit of crust, noting major though. My buddy is dropping it off at rivers end on tuesday for me. I talked to Pat today and he said no problem, should have it done in a few days. Not sure how much it will cost but it really isnt an issue.

Also, never EVER never ever ever, use silicon bases lubes on your VS. It will break down your seals. So lubes like super-lube, etc are totally out. If you ever need to spray the main shaft or anything just use WD40. this was the advice given to me by Van Staal.

Not sure how much it will cost but it really isnt an issue.

don't say that around VS. service charges getting a bit out of hand as it is.

If it was off season it would be an issue but with a bunch of fishing to be done i just want her back.

So my buddy brings it to rivers end today for me. And i guess three guys looked at it and gave it a clean bill of health. No reason to service it.

So my buddy brings it to rivers end today for me. And i guess three guys looked at it and gave it a clean bill of health. No reason to service it.

May have been a loose nut on the handle :rotf2:

Or maybe the crust Redlite was talking about that was on it?
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